Ex-Nueva Ecija mayor faces malversation for missing P3.5M fund

A former municipal mayor in Nueva Ecija was charged with malversation before the Sandiganbayan for his alleged failure to liquidate P3.5 million in public funds.

Ombudsman prosecutors accused former Mayor Blas Canlas of willfully, unlawfully and feloniously misappropriating, embezzling and converting P3.5 million in public funds for his personal use and benefit.

The said funds were placed under Canlas’ custody and control as cash advances to his office.

The prosecutors said Canlas failed to liquidate the said funds upon demand, “to the damage and prejudice of the government.”

He is accused of violating Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code, which requires public officials to be accountable for the public funds and property under their office, and penalizes the misappropriation or malversation of such funds through negligence or abandonment.

Set to testify against Canlas are incumbent Mayor Alvaro Daus and municipal accountant Marina Padilla.